2. pc-audio
  3. 1306014424

Music server for $160

I recently decided to build a music server. My criteria:
- Must NOT rely on my existing computer, which I use for computational work that does not mix well with streaming. Thus, a new "computer" is needed
- Use my existing DAC (MF VDAC or MHDT Havana)
- Must fit ~800GB lossless

My solution:
- Used 1st gen Apple TV - $50
- New 1TB USB hard drive - $80
- Sonicwave glass toslink - $30
- 5 hrs to figure out how to get the ATV's USB to read the 1TB drive. Result: 1TB ATV music server

My impressions:
(1) For $160, not a bad music server that can be mated to DAC of choice
(2) Playing music stored on the ATV sounds better (e.g., more detailed) than streaming to the ATV. Am I imagining this? Not sure of a technical explanation
(3) Prefer my CDP as
j1bran

Showing 1 response by mrderrick

mrderrick
292 posts
 
Also my latest project;

Ebay 1st Gen ATV 160 GB - $85 shipped
Ebay 17" LCD monitor - $40 shipped
HDMI to DVI cable - $70 (paid way to much)

Using an L-cheapo Rat Shack Toslink cable to a Behringer SRC2496. Converting from 44.1 - 48 and connecting via Kimber Orchid to a MSB Platinum Plus DAC.

I can't comment on streaming vs hard cable ( I'm direct cable ) but the sound and convenience is exceptionally good for such a small investment.

I am waiting on a Sys. Concept 1300 strand Toslink - $60
Hopefully an improvement over the Rat Shack.

Now if I can just master the art of obtaining missing album art!
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